Website: Audiology Concepts

Edina MN Office 952-232-5217

Burnsville MN Office 952-388-2869

What You Need to Know About Hearing Specialists

Realizing you may be experiencing hearing loss is a startling discovery for many people.

You may not know who to turn to or what steps to take. One of your first priorities

should be to make an appointment with a hearing specialist for a hearing test.

What is a Hearing Specialist?

Hearing specialists are also called audiologists. They examine the ears and test hearing. They diagnose hearing loss and the reason it has occurred.

They then devise a treatment plan and work with the patient to find the option most suitable for their specific needs.

How Do I Find a Hearing Specialist?

Start by contacting your primary care physician. He may suggest you schedule an appointment with him first so he can examine you to rule out

possible medical reasons for your hearing loss, such as an ear or sinus infection. If he does not find reason for the hearing loss, he can offer you a

list of recommended hearing specialists.

Also, check with your insurance company for a list of specialists in your network. Ask the insurance company if you need to follow a specific referral

or pre-approval process in order for the visit to be covered.

Support groups for people who have experienced hearing loss are a great resource. Members are usually very willing to make recommendations and

share their experiences. You may even make new friends to support during this difficult transition.

What Should I Look for in a Hearing Specialist?

Website: Audiology Concepts

Edina MN Office 952-232-5217

Burnsville MN Office 952-388-2869

Your hearing specialist will be an important member of our medical care team. You want someone you feel comfortable talking to and trust to give

you the best possible care. An office located in a convenient location to your home or office with hours that work for your schedule is also important.

Look for a specialist that deals with a variety of hearing aid brands so that you have a large selection available to you if that is the needed treatment.

What Can I Expect from the Initial Appointment?

A thorough case history will be taken pertaining to your hearing history and

medical conditions. Have you been exposed to loud noises or had any major

ear infections. You will be asked about tinnitus and dizziness.

The audiologist will then do a thorough evaluation of your hearing abilities in both quiet and in noise in addition to evaluating your speech understanding.

All of this is easy and painless. Following the evaluation, the audiologist will explain the results to you and make appropriate recommendations.

If hearing aids are recommended many audiologists have demos for you to try either in or out of the office. It is the audiologist’s responsibility to help

you decide what technology, style and cost suits both your lifestyle, hearing loss and budget.